10 reasons why your kids will love Melbourne

We rounded the corner and ahead of us, still several kilometres away, appeared the Melbourne skyline.

“Is that Melbourne?” Kalyra screamed and clapped her hands.

“Yes. I love Melbourne!!”

Kalyra can get very annoyed with me when I say Melbourne is not where we will eventually live because despite loving it, I can’t handle the inconsistent and awful weather.

“But Melbourne is so much fuuuunn, Mum!”

She is not wrong there. Melbourne has a lot by way of fun to offer kids. So here are my top 10 things you have to do with kids when you find yourself there with your family:

1. Kid-friendly bike riding trails

Melbourne is made for cyclists. While you do have to watch the die-hard crazies riding like they are in the velodrome, the numerous biking trails are great for kids. We loved exploring the Yarra River and bayside foreshore from St Kilda to Brighton on our bikes.

I’ll never forget Kalyra bouncing on the seat of her bike as we rode down Swanston St, through the centre of Melbourne. “This is the best fun ever!” she said.

I, on the other hand, rode behind her having mini-heart attacks as trams passed her by and pedestrians weaved around us. That particular adventure is not for the faint-hearted!

2. Free art activities

Look out for Art Play. What an amazing concept for kids! Just down from Federation Square along the Yarra River, you’ll find this building dedicated to kids exploring their creative talents. You do have to pay, but they often have free activities. We met up with a friend and our kids created their own universes made out of materials in the garden.

3. Interactive museums

We don’t usually visit museums much, but we enjoyed learning more about the history of moving arts and creating weird video clips at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square.

Melbourne has a thriving arts and science scene. There are plenty of interactive spaces for your kids to learn and be entertained if this is the sort of thing that gets them excited.

4. Great cafe culture

My girls are devoted to a good hot chocolate, paired with a muffin or chocolate brownie! There are plenty of child-friendly cafes in Melbourne with inside and outside play areas. (Yeah, you know it Mums, I really put this one in here for you!)

5. Thrilling city view experiences

Judging by the number of kids running around the Eureka Skydeck squealing, I’d say the 360 degree views of Melbourne, from the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere, is a hit for kids.

I recommend going up just on sun down so you experience Melbourne by day and as it slips into night. If the weather is kind, the sunset views are stunning. Put your thrill pants on while you’re there and stand on the EDGE of the building. It’s slightly freaky, but well worth it.

6. Incredible princess high teas

Hello Frozen High Tea experience! The High Tea at the Langham is a must-do experience to have with your children. It will be the best day of their lives (and possibly the worst day of yours when the sugar hits).

The girls were devastated when we left Melbourne the day the Barbie High Tea was on. (Don’t say anything, but Craig was even more devastated).

7. Calm swimming beaches

I had no idea Melbourne had decent beaches – even beautiful beaches. Move a little further from St Kilda and you’ll discover some amazing child-friendly beaches. During the summer the water is quite warm and it is really calm making it the perfect beach for kids. Our favourite are Parkdale and Elwood beaches.

A treat your kids will love is a pizza and ice cream dinner while watching the sunset on St Kilda beach. While they play in the sand, you can relax with a glass of vino.

8. Fantastic gardens and picnic places

Melbourne’s gardens took me back to my years living in London where, due to the absence of the ocean, we’d head to the leafy parks and gardens on a hot summer’s day for a sunbake and a picnic.

Fitzroy Gardens, Carlton Gardens and the Botanical Gardens are my favourites in Melbourne. During the summer months, they often have free music and shows that the kids are sure to love.

9. Awesome zoos

I was not expecting much from Werribee Zoo. I love it when a place surprises you! While it certainly isn’t a patch on a real African safari, it’s probably as good as most kids are going to get without getting on a plane.

I loved how close you could get to the animals and the zoo’s strong focus on conservation of endangered animals.

10. Sporting events and festivals

Melbourne seems to have a new festival or event on every week. While in Melbourne, the girls enjoyed a day of tennis, games and concerts at the Australian Open kids’ day.

We were also in the city when the Moomba festival was on and there were plenty of things for the kids to do there. Savannah still looks at the picture of the Fun House on my phone, and asks if she can sit on my lap again and go down the slide together.

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